Do you remember turning the pages of your books when you were a child? Each was to be savored and the choice of when to touch the corners and pull was a weighted one, met with a springing delight of discovery slipping down the spine. “Frederick” by Leo Lionni had this effect on me like no other. Do you know the story?
The introduction describes it well: While the other field mice work to gather grain and nuts for winter, Frederick sits on a sunny rock by himself. “I gather sun rays for the cold dark winter days,” he tells them. Another day he gathers “colors,” and then “words.” And when the food runs out, it is Frederick, the dreamer and poet, whose endless store of supplies warms the hearts of his fellow mice, and feeds their spirits during the darkest winter days.
While trying to lasso my thoughts and photos this morning, I stared at the screen, this screen, until my glassy eyes latched on to a figure dangling from a side column. “Number of posts published: 400.” Four-hundred? Four-hundred. After the initial bounce subsided, I was pleased as punch to realize that I had passed that benchmark while writing about the serious joys of a simple rose.
And so this post is number four-oh-one.
A few months ago, my friend Judith Ross asked about interviewing me for a column in Talking Writing magazine. I enjoyed the exchange that followed tremendously and I hope that you will appreciate Judith’s wonderful perspective as well. Living in France, where the word blogueuse (the feminine version of ‘blogger’) is pronounced with a sneer, I am absolutely delighted to have been featured as a writer in a magazine for writers. Thank you, Judith.
My life, while full of good things, is unusual. My future is so open-ended as to be not exactly secure. Sans filet, they say in French. Without a net. At times, my worries of “what if and what then?” threaten to overwhelm me. But perhaps, like Frederick, I am doing something helpful in making this blog, in storing up colors and words for the unknown path that is spooling out in front of my feet. Lost in Arles just might be my 401k plan.
To read Judith’s column “When Blogging Becomes Art”– please click here.
And to discover her own beautiful blog, Shifting Gears — please click here.
Some of my photography has also been featured in the Fall Issue of Talking Writing, to see them and discover a fine magazine — please click here.
To listen:
PS. James Vincent Mcmorrow’s cover of “Higher Love” is on the album “Silver Lining” — all of the proceeds of which go to Headstrong, an Irish charity for youth mental health.
As always, thank you so much for being here…
I believe the book was published in 1967, puppyfur. But like all good stories it is timeless. You would appreciate him definitely. On Amazon, you can read most of it, I believe.
Well said, Suze. Time to install an inner sneer guard. 🙂
Sending love and thanks right back to you in your leafy bower…
Oh, how can you remember "Frederick"?? That was a great book, and you are like Frederick – giving us so many gifts that you have stored up! What a wonderful interview and tribute to you, and congratulations on 400 posts!! I am sooooo proud of you and all the beauty you are bringing to the world..
As Suze says above, "people who sneer" simply don't hunt beneath the pretty pictures to find the words and thoughts of people who have a lot of wisdom worth listening to. To be fair, there are some superficial blogs out there, but that is not to discredit ones like yours which are anything but.
This mouse sounds like a fabulous fellow. Haven't heard of the book, but I sure like his attitude to life.
Heather, I think that a life lived a bit differently has riches beyond what most people experience, and I strongly believe that you are doing a beautiful job of making your way in the world. I don't know Frederick, but he sounds like my kind of field mouse! Congratulations on Talking Writing, 401 beautiful posts, and a life that most people can't even begin to dream of! XOXO
Congratulations.
The examined life: “My life, while full of good things,is unusual…storing up colors and words”. “I am doing something helpful in making this blog” … “feeds their spirits” echoes the reflection of the ancient Greek philosopher.
From time to time one looks back and trace how one is faithful in finding fresh ways to new discovery.
I’m very grateful.
Congratulations for the feature Heather, you deserve no less. Well, they can sneer, but who cares? I never thought blogging can be so rewarding in itself. But it is. People like you just make it that much more special.
How lovely to see your writing recognized for its beauty and insight by extending its reach. Frederick sounds like a good role model.
As always, thank you so much for being THERE! I'm afraid, seeing the date it was published, that I was in high school by the time Frederick came along. But how enchanting he sounds.
People who sneer have no business influencing our ingenious 401K plans.
Sending you love and thanks.